TechMobility Topics

 Automakers plan new vehicles years before they know what buyers will actually want. For this episode of TechMobility Topics, I examine how long development cycles and early tooling decisions collide with a market that can pivot rapidly from EV enthusiasm to hybrid demand. Texas surpassing California in new-vehicle spending—driven largely by pickup trucks—brings that uncertainty into focus. We explore the economics and cultural appeal of $65,000-plus full-size trucks and why affordable models such as the Ford Maverick Hybrid may offer the clearest signal of where the pickup market is heading next. 

Honda may be preparing to revive the Element as a hybrid compact SUV for 2029—but can it recapture what made the original such a practical cult favorite? In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I examine the reported comeback, Honda’s potential challenge to the Ford Bronco Sport, and what true versatility should mean for today’s small-adventure buyers. The biggest question is price: will a new Honda Element deliver the value and flexibility consumers want, or become an expensive exercise in nostalgia? 

 Crude oil prices receive most of the attention when gasoline prices rise, but they tell only part of the story. In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I explain the “crack spread”—the difference between the price of crude oil and the refined gasoline produced from it—and how this year's record-setting gap matters at the pump. I also examine how refinery capacity, maintenance, seasonal fuel requirements, and supply disruptions can push gasoline prices higher even when crude prices remain relatively stable. Understanding these less-visible forces provides a clearer picture of what drivers are really paying for. 

 A large-scale internal combustion engine running entirely on hydrogen is supplying electricity to Spain’s national grid—demonstrating a new approach to clean-energy storage and backup power. In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I explain how burning hydrogen in an engine differs from producing electricity with a hydrogen fuel cell, what makes hydrogen “green,” and how excess wind and solar energy can be converted into fuel for later use. This technology could help stabilize power grids, reduce wasted renewable energy, and provide reliable electricity for energy-intensive operations such as AI data centers. 

 The 2026 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid promises an appealing blend of performance, efficiency, and three-row versatility, with 323 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated 26 miles of electric range. In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I share my real-world impressions of its ride quality, outward visibility, cargo capacity, and practical features. I also examine the shortcomings that hold the CX-90 PHEV back—and whether Mazda has done enough to compete in the fiercely contested $40,000-to-$60,000 near-luxury SUV market. 

 A mobile driver’s license promises convenience—until your phone dies, your device is stolen, or your account becomes inaccessible when you need to prove your identity. In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I examine the real-world rollout of mobile driver’s licenses in the United States, from Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet integration to separate state-issued apps. I also explore the security, reliability, and accessibility questions surrounding digital identification. If TSA officials and motor vehicle agencies still recommend carrying the physical card, are mobile licenses solving a genuine problem—or simply creating new ones? 

 What if your electric vehicle could do more than consume electricity—and actually earn money by supplying it? In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I explore vehicle-to-grid technology and bidirectional charging programs that compensate EV owners for returning stored energy to the power grid during periods of high demand. From PG&E pilot programs to incentives offered by National Grid and Eversource, we examine how EVs could function as mobile microgrids, strengthen energy resilience, and reduce strain on utilities. We also consider who can benefit today—and why renters and drivers without access to private charging may be left behind. 

 MIT researchers have developed a potentially lower-cost method for extracting lithium from hard rock—an advance that could strengthen domestic battery production and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. For this episode of TechMobility Topics, I explain how the new process works, why conventional lithium extraction can be expensive and resource-intensive, and how Rock Zero plans to move the technology from the laboratory toward commercial deployment. The breakthrough could help lower EV battery costs while making America’s clean-energy supply chain more resilient. 

 Mailing a paper check may feel routine, but rising mail theft and check fraud have made this familiar habit increasingly risky. During this episode of TechMobility Topics, I explain how criminals steal and “wash” checks using common chemicals, alter the payee and dollar amounts, and drain money from victims’ accounts. I also examine why quickly discovering and reporting fraudulent activity matters—and share practical steps you can take to protect yourself when paying rent, contractors, or household bills by check. 

 BYD’s Denza Z9S reportedly delivers roughly 570 miles of range—an achievement that should command the attention of every automaker competing in the global EV market. In this episode of TechMobility Topics, I examine what we know about this Chinese luxury electric sedan, its performance and range claims, and why its lithium iron phosphate battery technology may be the most disruptive part of the story. If BYD can combine long range, strong performance and competitive pricing without relying on an extraordinarily large battery pack, the Denza Z9S could offer an important preview of where electric vehicles are headed next.